Health Care Proposal Is ‘Unconscionable,’ Castor Says

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor said the proposal would have a “devastating effect” on American families.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, said the proposed American Health Care Act is a Republican assault on health care that will cause pain and chaos to families.

Castor made her remarks Monday (March 13) after the release of a report from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office that estimates the proposal would reduce federal deficits by $337 billion over the coming decade. The CBO report also estimates that, if passed, about 14 million people would lose their health care in 2018 and, after additional changes to subsidies and to the Medicaid program became effective, the increase in the number of uninsured people would rise to 21 million in 2020 and then to 24 million in 2026.

The Republican proposal would repeal or modify many provisions of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

“It is unconscionable that Republicans are cutting health care for millions of Americans while providing massive tax breaks to the wealthy few,” Castor said.

Castor serves as the vice ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee which, last week, began consideration of the Republican repeal bill. The session lasted 27 hours.

Castor said she and her Democratic colleagues in offered amendment after amendment to protect Americans from Republicans’ assault on health care and to drive home to Republicans the pain and chaos their bill would cause American families. But, she said, the Republicans opposed those amendments and “rammed” the AHCA through the committee.

Castor said she will continue to fight Republican efforts to reverse the huge gains in coverage and peace of mind that the ACA has brought families across the country.